I had started today’s post by writing about something entirely different – namely how I’ve changed since the start of the pandemic – but I then quickly realised it was way too heavy a topic.

It’s Sunday. I don’t want anything heavy today, unless it’s heavy cream on top of some apple crumble, which isn’t going to happen so I digress.

Instead, I’ve decided to write about six meals and dishes from my travels that I still frequently think about, which to me means they tantalised my tastebuds so much that they’re unforgettable. Here are some of my all-time favourites:

Bánh bao bánh vạc, Vietnam

I loved these delicate little dumplings filled with shrimp, pork and mushroom (I wasn’t vegetarian back then). They’re unique to the coastal town of Hoi An, which means you cannot find them anywhere else in the country. I particularly loved the spicy dipping sauce they gave with them. Divine.

Excuse the slightly crappy photo. It’s from way back when…

I spent about six months in Vietnam, so the country has a special place in my heart. Vietnamese is my favourite Southeast Asian cuisine, and I plan to travel back there just to eat.

No, I’m not joking.

Samay baji, Nepal

While most people seem to talk about daal bhat when they visit Nepal, I’m here to rave about samay baji, a selection of dishes belonging to the Newars, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley. I love Newari food because it’s extremely flavourful and tends to be spicy. And I’m saying this as a vegetarian (Newari food is known to be heavy in meat).

I salivate just by looking at this shot

This assortment of dishes is typically served on a platter during festivals and family get-togethers, but I frequently go and order this at my favourite restaurants.

Ema dashi (cheese curry), Bhutan

Now although I’ve never been to Bhutan (yet!), I tried ema dashi at Dechenling Garden Restaurant in Kathmandu, and it is delicious. I read about it in the Lonely Planet guide to Nepal during my first visit here and I was intrigued. It, in all honesty, sounded a bit unappealing to me but seeing as I was staying close by and it was highly recommended I thought I’d give it a whirl.

Another way back when shot, but you get the gist!

Boy oh boy, is it delicious.

One of the reasons I thought it would be unappealing is that it sounded incredibly rich, which is something I don’t typically enjoy in food. And while it’s undeniably creamy, it stops just short of being too much. Plus, I ask them to make it extra spicy for me, which helps to cut down the richness a lot.

Vegetable tempura, Japan

I know this isn’t the most imaginative addition to the list, but I was fortunate enough to dine at one of Kyoto’s best tempura restaurants. By accident, that is. Following a rather unfortunate incident the previous night when I almost pooped myself on my way back to the hotel thanks to a rather disgusting meal (yes, it happens even in Japan), I decided to treat myself to something decent the next day.

I did a bit of research, found a place called Tempura Endo Yasaka, and off I went. I arrived at the restaurant to find a man in a black suit at the door, asking if I had a reservation. “No,” I sheepishly replied, and off inside he went to find out if I could be accommodated. Luckily, they found me a spot at the counter where the chefs were cooking, which turned out to be a treat because I got to see how they prepared everything. I honestly had no idea how fancy the place was until I arrived, and it was worth every yen I spent.

Trust me when I say, this was no ordinary tempura. Fried to perfection in a perfectly balanced batter, I enjoyed every morsel. During the meal, I sat next to the most brilliant couple who were psychologists, and it ended up being one of my all-time favourite travel memories.

Chaat, India

I’m cheating a little bit with this one by being generic, but the truth is I do mean all chaat (i.e. Indian savoury snacks). When I lived in Dubai, I was borderline obsessed with having chaat. From pav bhaji through to bhel puri, sev puri, dahi puri and my personal favourite, vada pav, I would happily stuff my face with it all day every day if a) I had a bottomless pit of a stomach and b) I didn’t have to worry about needing to buy new clothes.

I mean…

Vegetarian curry at Kebaya Dining Room, Georgetown, Malaysia

While again this is rather generic because it involves a number of dishes, it deserves a mention. I have to start by saying that pretty much every meal I had in Malaysia was outstanding; from food stall fare through to fine dining, it was all delicious. I even treated myself to a 10-course tasting menu at the famous Nadodi, which serves up reimagined food from the Indian subcontinent. It was a highly memorable, delight of an experience.

But my meal at the beautiful Kebaya Dining Room, which serves Indochinese and Peranakan food, was my favourite. The restaurant is housed in the most spectacular hall that features intricate woodwork and awe-inspiring chandeliers, and it’s advised to go early and enjoy a drink at the bar first, which is obviously what I did. The food, which was a selection of vegetarian dishes (the curry being my favourite) was mouth-watering good. It was even served in this beautiful lacquer box.

What are some of your favourite dishes from your travels?

 

 

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